Bill > SJR111

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Missouri Constitution that will be submitted to voters at the next general election in November 2026 or a special election. It modifies provisions related to real property taxes, specifically concerning school district operating levies and limitations on taxes, licenses, and fees imposed by counties and other political subdivisions. For school districts that had their operating levies set by a federal court order based on the 1995 tax year, the resolution allows the school board to set a lower operating levy each year, but any levy equal to or greater than the 1995 court-ordered rate would require voter approval. This authority for school districts expires on December 31, 2026, after which their operating levies for 2027 and beyond will be adjusted to maintain 2026 revenue levels plus an increase based on the Consumer Price Index for the first year, and then follow standard constitutional and statutory provisions for property taxes. The resolution also revises Section 22 of Article X, which generally prohibits counties and political subdivisions from levying new taxes or increasing existing ones without voter approval. The changes clarify that if the definition of a tax base is broadened or if the assessed valuation of property increases more than the general price level, the maximum authorized tax levy must be reduced to maintain the same revenue from existing property. It also introduces a provision for the 2027 tax year and beyond that, if the assessed valuation of a subclass of real property increases, the maximum levy on that subclass must be reduced to yield the same revenue from existing property, though counties may adjust this reduction to account for changes in the general price level.

Budget and Finance

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=103420